Undeniable Truths of Nurse Practitioner Jobs – 10/3/2013

To acquire a nurse practitioner position, devise a plan before applying for one.

There is a wealth of prospects in the nurse practitioner job market. In the ‘60s, when physician shortages created the need for medical professional alternatives, nurse practitioners became a popular solution.

When embarking upon a nurse practitioner job search, it is important to be armed with the right set of questions while being prepared to deliver appropriate, yet clear and confident responses. To acquire the right position for you, try devising a game plan out of the following tips before applying.

Understand the Position

Every U.S. state has mandated licensure requirements, typically regulated by the particular state’s nursing board. When researching opportunities, applicants should make a visit to the board’s website as a first stop.

As every state has its own educational and certification requirements, knowing a state’s nursing practitioner requirements gives the applicant an occupational advantage. From there, it’s much easier to deduce if an opportunity is worth pursuing.

Get the Facts

After ascertaining the general requirements, applicants can focus on specific skills sought by their potential
employer. To take advantage of this information, try compiling a list of questions that would be worth asking during a job interview. After all, employers provide precise details in order to bring the best possible nurse practitioner to their team, so why shouldn’t this logic apply to applicants as well?

Nurse practitioners are highly regarded, so it’s important that applicants hold themselves with the appropriate level of esteem and “interview” potential employers, too. Posing questions that ensure a good job match is an applicant’s responsibility and demonstrates a strong commitment to the field.

Advocate for Self

When interviewing progresses to the point of a contract negotiation, the applicant can gain a negotiating advantage. This is the chance for the applicant to self advocate and negotiate terms that promote a healthy work environment.

One important way to advocate in a contract negotiation is to keep current salary
levels in mind. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median income of $71,490. Therefore, it’s important to remain perceptive of current salary demands and any periodic increases, insurance benefits, or leave agreements that can affect an applicant. Additionally, it’s equally important to remain aware of restrictive clauses that might limit career advancement.
Nurse practitioner demand increases as more and more people seek accessible and comparable care. Therefore, if you’re interested in a better job opportunity, working as a well-prepared nurse practitioner can give you the perfect advantage.